Right Honourable Malcolm Fraser:
Patron of Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV)

Right Honourable Malcolm Fraser,
Patron of Multicultural Arts Victoria

Media Release

14 June 2011

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Patron of Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV)

Former Prime Minister of Australia, the Right Honourable Malcolm Fraser, has accepted to become the Patron of Multicultural Arts Victoria.

"Multicultural Arts Victoria, as the peak arts organisation promoting cultural diversity in the arts, is committed to pursuing social justice through the arts for minorities and disadvantaged communities as well as supporting established artists and communities. It is an honour to have Rt Hon. Malcolm Fraser's support for our future and strategic development," said Stefan Romaniw OAM, Chairperson of Multicultural Arts Victoria Board of Management.

"His reforms on refugees, multiculturalism, services to immigrants, and human rights are the things he is most passionate about and the Arts are a powerful tool to reflect the important contribution refugees and migrants have made to build Australia as a creative community," stated Stefan Romaniw.

"We should be proud of our record as a migrant nation and we will be made stronger by diversity. I want to support the outstanding and important work of Multicultural Arts Victoria, a vibrant organisation working in the arts to foster acceptance and understanding of our cultural diversity both locally and internationally through the arts," Rt Hon. Malcolm Fraser said.

Right Honourable Malcolm Fraser

Malcolm Fraser, as Prime Minister of Australia, had an extremely important influence on the changing relations of countries within the Commonwealth, and on shaping Australia's relations with the countries of East and Southeast Asia.

He was an adamant opponent of apartheid and a strong supporter of reform in South Africa.

The Fraser government revitalised Australia's immigration program, bringing migrants from Asian countries. 73,399 humanitarian entrants between July 1976 and June 1981 were accepted into Australia. Of these 68, 672 were in the refugee category and the vast majority of these being Vietnamese refugees.

The immigration program focused on resettlement and 'multiculturalism' with the Institute of Multicultural Affairs being set up in 1978.

Mr. Fraser has become a key figure and leader in Australia's international and diplomatic relations.

Social Justice

"It is an absolute honour to have the Rt Hon. Malcolm Fraser as a Patron of MAV. He has been a strong advocate for social justice in Australia and internationally. We look forward to his contribution to strengthening Multicultural Arts Victoria. It is very fitting that he has accepted this position on the eve of refugee week, 17-25 June 2011, and the commencement of our Emerge Festival 2011 (former Refugee and Asylum Seekers Festival) which opens tonight with AMES & MAV Heartlands Refugee Fine Art Prize" said Jill Morgan, Executive Officer of MAV

For information about the Emerge Festival, visit www.multiculturalarts.com.au/events2011/emerge.shtml

Opportunities

This patronage will give new opportunities for more than 1,300 artists and 700 groups of artists that are part of MAV's network and will strengthen support structures and pathways that nourish culturally diverse artists and communities in Victoria.

More Information

For more information or to arrange interviews please contact: Jill Morgan 9417 6777, or email eo@multiculturalarts.com.au